They’re sweet. They’re succulent. And they’ve got a whole weekend to shine in downtown Leonard.
It’s none other than the 56th Annual Leonard Strawberry Festival, sponsored by the Addison Twp. Firefighter’s Association, which will take place on Saturday, July 19.
The fun begins on Friday, July 18 with the kick-off in downtown Leonard, from 5-8 p.m.
Enjoy pizza, BBQ chicken and ribs and other fun food from Isola’s Pizzeria.
The day of the festival is filled with various activities any family would enjoy, beginning with a yummy pancake breakfast at the Leonard United Methodist Church from 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. followed by ice cream sundaes served at the Fire Hall.
Strawberry bake-off items must be turned in at Rowland Hall by 11 a.m. the day of the festival.
The Addison Lion’s Club car show, held at Cooper Standard Automotive, will run from 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Bike decorating for the contest will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Leonard Elementary School.
Don’t miss the parade at Noon, featuring Grand Marshals Lawrence and Vi Smith.
‘They’re longtime residents and we felt that they should be honored,? said Sandra Walendzik, a coordinator for the festival.
The Smiths have lived in Addison Township for 50 years and ran the Little Red Hen Egg Factory off Rochester Rd. from 1964-1981.
Lawrence has also served on the township Planning Commission for 21 years and the Zoning Board of Appeals for 12.
The parade’s Special Persons will be Leonard resdients Edward Porter, Eleanor Hamilton, Ann Schlusler, Mary Sue Sutherby, Helen Troy and Marge McCallum, of Lake Orion.
Porter is the only remaining fireman from the original Leonard Fire Department and all the women are the widows of the original fireman.
After the parade, enjoy train rides, a petting farm, mini golf, puppet shows, magic shows, arts and crafts and listening to bands, like Third Degree Burns. A euchre tournament will take place at Rowland Hall at 2:30 p.m.
Bring the kids. Bring your sunscreen. But most importantly, bring a hefty appetite and fill up on some tasty strawberry sundaes!
For a complete schedule and more information on the Strawberry Festival, visit their website, www.strawberryfest.net.